What Does My Child Need To Know For The 11+ Exam?
Although not everywhere in the UK requires children to take the 11+ exam to attend a grammar school, in the areas where it is an option it’s important to help your son or daughter prepare as best they can for the test.
Typically, young people take the 11+ exam in the autumn term when they are in Year 6 of primary school. In most areas where passing the 11+ test is a prerequisite for attending a local grammar school, you’ll need to sign your child up by the summer of that year (normally July).
However, it’s never too early to start preparing them for the 11+ exam, and in fact giving them longer to get ready to take the test can help them feel less nervous when it comes around. It may also take some time to find the right Essex home school tutor for your youngster.
What is in the 11+ exam?
The 11+ exam tests both verbal and non-verbal reasoning skills, as well as English and mathematics abilities and knowledge. While you can’t specifically “teach” verbal and non-verbal reasoning, practicing the kinds of questions and scenarios that appear under this part of the test can be beneficial.
Creative writing is also now a component of the 11+ exam in Essex – and you may find it useful to have a look through my 5-Step Guide on the subject, a digital download that will serve as a great introduction to the topic.
By finding a tutor well in advance of the test itself, you give your child plenty of time to get to grips with the kinds of questions they will be asked without having to undertake an intense period of tutoring in the run up to the exam.
What’s more, the content of the 11+ exam varies depending on where in the country you are based, so it’s important to work with a local tutor who has a good understanding of what is included in the test where you live.
Of course, tutoring for the 11+ exam will help your child with their learning in general, as it presents an opportunity to refresh their English and mathematics skills ensuring they have a solid foundation in both subjects as they move into secondary school.
